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Australia to hand over Lofung Border and Patrol Boat Outpost to Solomon Islands

By Fredrick Kusu

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Aerial image of the Lofung Border and Patrol Boat Outpost

The Government of Australia will hand over the new Lofung Border and Patrol Boat Outpost in the Shortland Islands, Western Province, to the Government and people of the Solomon Islands on Monday, 17 August 2026.

The handover ceremony will be attended by senior officials from both Governments.

Preparations are underway through a joint ministerial committee overseeing logistics and on-site arrangements, with support from Australian counterparts.

The new Outpost marks a major step forward for border security in the Solomon Islands. It will bring together police, customs, bio-security and immigration officials in one location to strengthen management of the country’s western border and support safe, orderly cross-border movement.

Built to withstand regional conditions, the facility will enhance Solomon Islands’ capacity to:

  •         Strengthen Border Security: Coordinate maritime, police and law enforcement operations
  •         Respond to Disasters: Support rapid response to natural disasters in the western border area
  •         Deliver Services: Enable health and government programs for communities in the Shortlands
  •         Support Economic Growth: Provide a foundation for social and economic development in the region.

The Outpost includes new facilities for operations coordination, staff accommodation, and a wharf capable of supporting RSIPV Taro and Gizo, Solomon Islands’ Guardian-class Patrol Boats, as well as Australian-gifted fast boats.

Construction at Lofung South in the Shortland Islands began in 2022.

Australia and the Solomon Islands continue to work in partnership to ensure a secure, stable and prosperous Blue Pacific.

[end]

GCU statement

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